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UMass has cancelled two electronic dance music performances in October and on September because of concerns about the drug known as Molly. Promoters are disappointed with the cancellations and are hoping to find a new venue.

AMHERST — NV Concepts, the Holyoke promoter for the three electronic dance shows at the University of Massachusetts that have been canceled this semester, has issued a press release expressing disappointment with the administration's decision to cancel the shows.

UMass canceled Above & Beyond, scheduled for Saturday, and Pretty Lights, scheduled for Oct. 30. It had already canceled "Return to Fantazia" Sept. 21. All concerts were slated for the Mullins Center.

The university was concerned about overdoses of the drug MDMA, a high potency form of Ecstasy known as Molly.

Overdoses have been reported at a number of electronic music performances in the Northeast.

“The decision's impact goes beyond substantial and financial loss to the great disappointment of UMass students and fans through the region of both these artists,” the promoter's press release stated.

Tim Bonito, NV Concepts founder and a UMass graduate, wrote that while this was not his company's decision, he extends “our sincerest apologies for yet another lost opportunity to enjoy the music that you love.”

The promoters said they are doing everything they can to relocate these shows.Bonito wrote that they work “to promote the safety of our concertgoers and seek to be an educational resource in the prevention of substance abuse. Therefore, we view these cancellations as a lost opportunity to collaborate with UMass on this important effort.

“We maintain a zero-tolerance substance-abuse policy,” Bonito wrote. He also listed ways in which they work to educate concertgoers about the dangers of abuse and work to keep concertgoers “happy, healthy and hydrated throughout the event.”

In announcing the cancellations to students, Enku Gelaye, UMass interim vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life, wrote, “Unfortunately, the factors that led to cancellation of the Sept. 21 concert have not positively shifted.

“In fact, we have grown even more concerned about ongoing reports of overdoses at such events. The Molly-taking culture at these shows is real and now exceedingly dangerous to the health and safety of concert attendees.”

In the release, Gelaye said the campus is taking steps to warn students about the dangers associated with Molly and other drugs and stressed the need for a community-wide approach to addressing such issues.